Senators McConnell and Paul feud over hemp regulations threatening Kentucky industry

OG article by Kayleigh Randle

November 13, 2025

Kentucky's hemp sector teeters on collapse after Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) inserted a provision into a government funding bill banning hemp products exceeding 0.4 mg THC per container, citing child protection from intoxicating loopholes in the 2018 Farm Bill. McConnell argued companies convert legal THC levels into potent substances sold unregulated.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) fiercely opposed, warning the threshold eliminates 100% of U.S. hemp products and nullifies state laws. His amendment to strip the language failed 76-24. "This is the most thoughtless proposal to an industry I've seen," Paul said, highlighting its threat to a $28 billion market employing 350,000 amid soaring costs.

Justin Swanson of the Kentucky Hemp Association called it McConnell's "vanity project" over genuine safety, noting recent harvests at risk and Kentucky's regulations allowing 12 times the federal limit. "To take away a choice for quality-of-life products is annoying," he said, decrying it as a cannabis reform setback—especially dropping VA cannabis recommendations pre-Veterans Day.

Cornbread Hemp thanked Paul but lamented insufficient bipartisan support against McConnell and bourbon interests. They urge House Republicans to uphold states' rights and Democrats to condition votes on removal, warning of a 365-day countdown to Schedule I status for full-spectrum CBD and low-THC drinks. "We need unity to protect millions of consumers," their statement read.

Swanson voiced betrayal: "If good policy, debate it openly in a standalone bill." The resolution passed Senate; House vote looms. Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) chairs a key committee to potentially block it next year.